MINSK, 25 April (BelTA) – Belarus and its nation must do everything in order to preserve the country’s independence and preferably without a war. Belarus President, Chairman of the Belarusian People’s Congress Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement in his speech at a session of the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress on 25 April, BelTA has learned.
The head of state stated that Belarusians do not want a war. He stressed that war hardships come with great difficulties and deprivations: “We will be the first ones over there. At the line of fire. We may have to sit in trenches ridden with lice, unwashed, starving or half-starved. And our life [today] is good and comfortable. The life is on par with life in Europe and in America. Why do we fight? Why do we need it? We should live in peace and develop. Particularly with a neighbor like Belarus.”
“We don’t want to fight against anyone. And I am convinced that we will not fight. [The adversaries] understand that we can deliver a serious response that will kill millions of people instantaneously. It would be a new war. If things go south, all of us will become the Brest Fortress but we will protect our land,” the head of state said.
“Since we’ve acquired independence, we must preserve it. By all means. Preferably without a war,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.